‘True soldier’ May has been carer for over three decades
AN 80-YEAR-OLD woman has spent more than three decades caring for her husband after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Now May Mccabe, who is still the sole carer for her husband despite starting to lose her own eyesight, has been nominated for a Moorlands Heroes Award.
May, who was just 49 years old when former bookmaker John first became ill, has been put forward for Carer of the Year by her daughter, Pat Hodgkinson.
Pat, aged 55, said: “My mum is a true soldier, doesn’t complain and just gets on with everything.
“She has macular degeneration and can no longer drive due to poor sight so has her own challenges.
“She was aged just 49 when my father, John Mccabe, then aged 60, suffered a massive stroke.
“For six months we visited him in hospital and there were a few times when we were called in as they expected the worst.
“The stroke affected his left side and he was unable to use his left arm, walk and he could not speak.
“Dad is now 91. Since that day 31 years ago mum has been his carer.”
For the first 11 years May combined being a carer with working full-time at what is now Tennants Fine Chemicals in Leek.
“She had to work full time in order to pay the mortgage and all other bills,” said Pat.
“At that time there was a great day care service where they would pick dad up from home three days a week and bring him back. Family, neighbours and friends would help for the other days.
“Sadly as time has gone by there are no facilities available for dad to go to which allows mum to have some time to herself.”
John, who was well known in Leek as an employee of Provincial Racing bookmakers, learnt to walk again but has never recovered his speech or the use of his left arm.
“He used an electronic communicator as he wasn’t able to speak, although he doesn’t use it now as he can’t put down what he’s trying to say,” said Pat.
“We would programme it to say things like ‘it’s your round at the pub.’
“Considering his limitations, he still likes to have a bet and will make a mark next to the horses he wants his money putting on.
“Up until a few years ago he would enjoy going down to The Blue Mugge pub, in Osborne Street, Leek, where the regulars all knew him.”
Pat says she only truly realised how hard her mum works when May had a bad fall last year and broke her shoulder.
She added: “I stepped in and did what I could, and we called on social services to help.
“I just think mum is amazing. She hasn’t had very much help and has just got on with things.
“They live two miles outside the town centre and she will walk in rather than get a lift. She’s still an independent lady who soldiers on.”